Sri Lanka Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Overview
Sri Lanka's youth unemployment stood at 18.58% in 2025, a decline of +0.48pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 16.14% by 2026. Sri Lanka ranked 127th globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 12.89% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 14.51% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 16.14% | - | - |
| 2025 | 18.58% | −0.48pp | #127 |
| 2024 | 19.06% | −1.28pp | #130 |
| 2023 | 20.34% | −1.39pp | #136 |
| 2022 | 21.73% | −3.64pp | #138 |
| 2021 | 25.37% | −0.08pp | #146 |
| 2020 | 25.45% | +5.02pp | #137 |
| 2019 | 20.43% | −0.07pp | #133 |
| 2018 | 20.50% | +3.11pp | #128 |
| 2017 | 17.39% | −2.68pp | #113 |
| 2016 | 20.07% | +0.84pp | #121 |
| 2015 | 19.23% | +0.45pp | #117 |
| 2014 | 18.78% | +0.84pp | #112 |
| 2013 | 17.94% | +1.14pp | #107 |
| 2012 | 16.80% | +0.04pp | #100 |
| 2011 | 16.76% | −1.93pp | #98 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sri Lanka matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's youth unemployment was 18.58% in 2025. Ranked 127th globally. This represents a 2.5% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's youth unemployment peaked at 36.11% in 1991.
The lowest youth unemployment in Sri Lanka was 16.76% in 2011.
Sri Lanka ranks 127th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's youth unemployment is projected to reach 16.14% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 18.58%. This ranks 127th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_youth-unemployment,
title = {Sri Lanka Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/youth-unemployment},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}